BFK banks on IBA one-star refs to anchor the game's growth in Kenya

The Kenya Boxing Federation (KBF) has expressed confidence that the recent certification of eight Kenyan referees as International Boxing Association (IBA) 1-Star referees will significantly boost the development of boxing in the country.

According to the BFK communications director, Duncan Kuria, the eight graduated from national to 1-Star referees and judges after successfully completing their International Boxing Association (IBA) course in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, last month and recently received their certification after undergoing rigorous training and examinations under the IBA, the global governing body for amateur boxing.

“It puts them in a very good position because now they can officiate in major tournaments like the Africa Zone III and African Championships.

“This gives us an advantage because when we go to some of these competitions, we don’t have referees and judges who give us tips in terms of what they are looking for when they are officiating, and it's something that we have been lacking, for some time on our side.” Said Kuria.

The course was conducted by Sadie Martina Duffy from the Republic of Ireland, and Godavarisingh Rajcoomar from Mauritius, who is also Chairperson of the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) Referees and Judges Committee.

The officials now with a new distinction include Nelson Otieno, Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim, Hellen Wanjiku, Edward Mwaura, Lela Idi Said, Stephen Mathu, Joseph Onyango, and Samuel Obiero.

Kuria says the new officials will help elevate the boxing standards in Kenya.

“These officials will now be able to officiate in our local tournaments and help improve the quality of our game.

“I am saying this because if internationals like Boniface Mogunde and others perform in our local league, and if they are refereed by people and judges who are not satisfied, I think it doesn’t help them.

“But now, with these satisfied officials, we are going to produce good boxers who are going to represent the country very well in major international championships and win medals for the country.”

The KBF is optimistic that the referees' exposure to global events will contribute to the development of younger referees in the country through mentorship and knowledge transfer.

Furthermore, with Kenya aspiring to host more international tournaments, the presence of internationally recognized officials could help the country position itself as a regional hub for boxing competitions.